Michael D. Martin

After living with cancer for three years, Michael David Martin died on Wednesday, January 9, 2013, at his home. Mike was born on October 27, 1948, and was baptized on October 31, 1954. He grew up in Cicero, IL, the only son of Genevieve Martin. In that neighborhood, one of Mike’s first jobs was peddling Good Humor ice cream on foot. Following his graduation from Morton East High School, Mike served in the U.S. Army for three years in Europe during the Vietnam Conflict. Mike continued his education with an Associate’s Degree in Electronic Technology from Morton College and a Bachelor of Science degree from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale in 1976. Attracted by the spit curls of a young ballroom dancer, Mike married his “better half” Ruthann Koester on November 19, 1977. Together they made a home in Bolingbrook and raised their daughters Becca, Sarah, and Laura. Mike took pride in his daughters and gave them his full support, whether as a Girl Scout chaperone or President of marching band boosters. Mike received his MBA from Illinois Benedictine College in 1986 and spent the bulk of his career in information systems in the healthcare industry. Mike was an active member of New Life Lutheran Church, Bolingbrook, and then of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Naperville. Mike served the Church in many roles through the years, as treasurer, usher, confirmation teacher, Sunday School teacher, and choir member. He even mowed the lawn on Saturday mornings. The guys of Men’s Breakfast were part of his weekly routine. Mike was a loyal fan of the Chicago Cubs, and the latest blockbuster flick (especially Sci-fi) grabbed his attention. In his house full of girls, he was the go-to-guy for omelets, spaghetti, old-fashioned oatmeal, and stove-top popcorn. Current events, history, and politics were his choice topics of learning and conversation. Three grandchildren provided special joy in these last three years. After 64 years, 2 months, and 12 days on this earth, God was pleased to receive Mike into eternal life. Mike is survived by his wife Ruth of 35 years; daughters Becca (Matthew) Poock of Evansville, WI; Sarah (Jesse) Wunderlich of Mason City, IA; and Laura Martin of Bolingbrook, IL; three grandchildren, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends. Visitation will take place on Sunday, January 13, 2013, 2:00 – 7:00 PM, at Bolingbrook-McCauley Funeral Chapel. A memorial service will be Monday, January 14, 2013, 11:00AM, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 1310 Shepherd Drive Naperville, IL 60565, (630) 961-9220. http://www.goodshepherd-naperville.org/ A luncheon at the church will immediately follow the service. At a later date, cremains will be laid to rest at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood. In lieu of flowers, please make gifts out to Ruthann Martin, who will be making donations in honor of Mike.